UM'S LOSSES WON'T BE AS SEVERE

But the Hurricanes salvaged a season that began with a win over Florida State by beating Florida in the Peach Bowl.

"We weren't going to be out of business if we lost the game," coach Larry Coker said of Friday night's 27-10 victory that extended UM's streak over state rivals FSU and Florida to 12 consecutive games. "But by the same token it's going to be a great jump-start to next season."

Coker hopes the Hurricanes' dominance over the Gators will push UM into the top 10 of the final rankings and in line for a national championship run in 2005.

UM lost 15 first-round draft picks over the past three years to the NFL, but the Hurricanes will likely lose only one high draft pick this year -- cornerback Antrel Rolle -- as long as left tackle Eric Winston decides to return, which is likely.

But UM (9-3) will lose some other key players. Senior quarterback Brock Berlin, a two-year starter, played his final college game. Two juniors, top rusher Frank Gore and leading receiver Roscoe Parrish, are leaning toward entering the NFL Draft.

Even if Parrish leaves, the Hurricanes will have depth at the position.

Ryan Moore, who led the team in receptions in 2003, had an injury-plagued 2004 season but is healthy now. Freshman Lance Leggett is said to be 20 pounds away from becoming a dominant college receiver. Speedy Sinorice Moss and Darnell Jenkins also return. Parrish, who contributed 43 catches for 693 yards, has had to split time with all four.

There is concern about having to break in a new quarterback.

Kyle Wright played sparingly because of a midseason ankle injury he suffered in practice. Coaches had planned to get him some work in every game, but he spent much of the season watching from the sideline. He completed only 5 of 9 passes for 30 yards.

Wright will battle another freshman, Kirby Freeman, for the starting spot this spring.

Most of the starting defense returns with the exception of Rolle, who will likely be replaced by Devin Hester. Hester started four games at cornerback and led the team with four interceptions. UM played numerous young players to build depth and will be helped by the likely return of defensive tackle Orien Harris and outside linebacker Roger McIntosh, two juniors who have said they plan to return for their senior seasons.

Gore, who was 55 yards shy 1,000 yards rushing, seems to be on the fence about his future. His mother, Liz Gore, wants him to enter the NFL Draft because of all the hardship he has experienced during his career and life, but Gore believes the Hurricanes need him to make another run at the national championship.

His decision could hinge on whether he can receive an insurance policy that covers his surgically repaired knees, which is something UM officials are exploring.

If Gore does leave, former Ely High tailback Tyrone Moss, who gained 957 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in two seasons, will be the front-runner to replace him. But there's a growing sentiment that Charlie Jones, a true freshman who played sparingly, could push for the starting spot.

Former Piper standout Quadtrine Hill will move back to fullback, the position he started at the previous two seasons. Hill said he welcomes the change after proving at tailback this season he's worthy of being an offensive weapon.

The offensive line will lose two starters -- Chris Myers and Joel Rodriguez -- but will likely get back Winston, who was considered one of college football's top linemen before suffering a season-ending knee injury.